Milād Ahmadi
The Haft-Seen (or Seven S’s) is one of the central visual and symbolic elements of Nowruz. It’s how we “set the tone” for the year ahead. Each item in the Haft-Seen carries deep meaning—for example, Seeb (apple) represents beauty and health, while Serkeh (vinegar) symbolizes patience and the wisdom that comes with aging.
For Rangarang’s Third Act, which served as a prelude to Nowruz, we knew the Haft-Seen needed to be a foundational part of the setting. Ours—designed and installed by Mahyar Dini—was a contemporary reimagining of this beloved tradition. We wanted it to be more than a visual reference; it had to feel integral to the show itself. That’s why we decided it should be as large and striking as the stage.
To bring this vision to life, Mahyar collaborated with Sunny Shokrae, incorporating her digital illustrations of the Haft-Seen. One of the standout moments was the balloon goldfish, suspended from bold red chains—a playful touch that captured the whimsical spirit of our design.
The entire display was framed by layers of pink and red velvet curtains—a nod to the campy, theatrical aesthetic of the original Rangarang Show.
(Held a few weeks before Nowruz, Rangarang was inspired by a variety show that used to air in Iran before the revolution. It was mostly for singers and musicians, and it was an opportunity for young talent to engage broader audiences. This event emulates the original Rangarang but makes it more accessible through lip syncing.)